¿Qué es la genética de la conservación?

What is Conservation Genetics?

Understanding Biodiversity

• Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, encompassing all living organisms and their interactions. It plays a crucial role in atmospheric chemical regulation and nutrient recycling.

• Human activities, such as urbanization and industrial agriculture, have significantly impacted biodiversity, leading to habitat loss and species decline. This has resulted in a global conservation crisis.

The Role of Conservation Genetics

• Conservation genetics explores genetic diversity within species to promote sustainable management practices. This field aims to understand how genetic factors influence species survival and adaptation.

• The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) defines conservation as the sustainable use of natural resources that can be maintained across generations.

Sample Collection Methods

• Samples are collected using non-invasive methods (e.g., feces or remains found in nature) to minimize animal suffering; however, some methods like blood sampling are invasive.

• Genetic material is extracted from various sources such as bones or hair follicles, which contain DNA necessary for analyzing genetic variations among individuals within a species.

Case Study: The Field Deer

• Research focuses on the field deer, once abundant in Uruguay but now threatened due to livestock introduction affecting its population dynamics. Genetic analysis aims to gather more information about this endangered species.

DNA Extraction Process

• DNA resides within cells and contains genes essential for organism development; it serves as a blueprint for biological functions similar to recipes in cooking. Variations in DNA among individuals indicate genetic diversity, which is vital for resilience against environmental changes.

• In the laboratory, samples undergo processes that isolate DNA by removing unwanted cellular components through chemical treatments before amplifying specific regions for further analysis using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Genetic Markers and Conservation Efforts

Understanding Genetic Markers

• Genetic markers are crucial for analyzing genetic variability among individuals of a species, allowing researchers to observe reactions in real-time through connected devices.

• The process culminates in obtaining millions of copies of a specific DNA fragment, which is then sent for sequencing at the Pasteur Institute. This is essential for comparative studies between distinct species.

Subspecies Identification

• Through genetic analysis and morphological studies, two unique subspecies of deer were identified in Uruguay, emphasizing the need to treat them as separate units due to their adaptation to different environments (Salto and Rocha).

Expanding Research Beyond Deer

• The research group initially focused on deer but has since expanded its studies to include other mammals such as carnivores (e.g., foxes) and felines (e.g., wild cats), addressing conservation issues related to these species.

Community Engagement in Conservation

• It is vital not only to conduct laboratory work but also to engage with local communities living near threatened species. The group collaborates with rural schools, educating children and families about conservation challenges and the importance of their involvement.

Challenges in Environmental Protection

• Uruguay faces significant challenges regarding natural habitat protection, being one of the countries with the least natural territory globally. These issues are critical for sustainable development initiatives that aim to preserve biodiversity.

• The group's goal is to utilize genetics to assess mammalian diversity within territories, which can inform prioritization strategies for conservation areas in a country that prides itself on its natural heritage. Training new students in biological sciences is essential for achieving these objectives.